Good Bite v Bad Bite – which one are you?

The chewing system is composed of teeth, muscles, jaw joint, etc. All of these parts must work together in a harmonious manner for proper function and maintainable health.

The muscles are relaxed. The joint is stable and the teeth work in a protected environment. When teeth bite together in the “normal” bite, all of the teeth should contact, all precisely at the same time along the long axis of the tooth.

Some of the symptoms related to Bad Bite are:

TOOTH PROBLEMS:

tooth pain

tooth loss

loose teeth

sensitive teeth to cold and air

contact wear on tooth enamel (teeth look worn down)

chipped, cracked, and fractured teeth

crowding, tipping, and misalignment of teeth

MUSCLE PROBLEMS:

general headache

migraine type headache pain

sore, easily fatigued muscles (jaw always feels tired)

BONE PROBLEMS:

recession of gum tissue around teeth

loss of supporting bone around teeth

horizontal bone loss around the front and back teeth

JOINT PROBLEMS:

jaw joint pain in front of the ears one or both sides (occasionally radiating deep into the ear. It feels like an earache)

popping, clicking, grinding, and locking of the jaw joints

FUNCTIONAL AND COSMETIC PROBLEMS:

collapsed bite (teeth disappear behind lips)

collapsed lower face (deepening of wrinkles)

drooping smile (sore, wet spots on corners of the mouth)

loss of lip support (lips become thin and lack fullness)

inability to chew effectively

swallowing problems

A “Bad Bite” forces the jaw joints into unnatural, strained resting positions. Misaligned teeth that function improperly are the main culprits in a Bad Bite. On closure of the jaws, the teeth come together and force the jaw joints to misalign in the sockets placing a constant strain on the joints when the teeth are touching. Over time this microtrauma (unnoticed cycles of strain) can injure the jaw joints. The most common symptoms of strained jaw joints (TMJs) is clicking, popping, locking, and pain (local spot pain and/or headache pain). The most common unnoticed symptom is wear on tooth enamel. Over time tooth wear increases and teeth begin to crack, chip and break.

What can be done?

Your Smile Specialists are all Specialists who can correct bites and protect your teeth and smile. They have the skills to spot underlying issues and develop a treatment plan to get you smiling again.

How to Choose the Right Orthodontist

If you have crooked teeth and would like to discuss your treatment options you should consult with a specialist orthodontist.

All our Smile Specialists are experts in Invisalign and all types of orthodontic treatment. We will always talk to you about all your options. We will evaluate your specific issues on your initial consultation. Creating beautiful smiles no matter how challenging is what we do!

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation Today

As a new patient, you can take advantage of an FREE initial consultation. The friendly team at Your Smile Specialist will make you feel comfortable as we discuss you or your childâ€™s smile, explain your treatment options and provide the information you need to make a wise decision about your oral health.